The Catalyst Science Scholarship

Hello …

I am Club SciKidz Houston owner, Dr. Omah M. Williams-Duncan. In 2000, I was able to learn authentic Science Inquiry at the Rice Model Science Lab at Houston Independent School District’s Lanier Middle School.

Then directors, Nedaro Bellamy, Linda Knight and Nonie Harcombe emphasized and taught me hands-on Science instruction, identification and dismantling of student misconceptions, and curriculum development. My development lasted for an entire school year and I, along with 9 other hand-selected participants were allowed to teach one class of 6th graders. Participants were called residents and upon graduation, were inducted into the Catalyst Science Program. Catalyst members met monthly to discuss how their transition back to their home campuses faired, along with how they could become more effective science teacher leaders at various levels in Houston ISD.

Like many of my Catalyst colleagues, I returned to my school to implement many of the ideas I learned and perfected regarding hands-on Science. With little opposition, I was able to develop lessons, attend conferences, and engage my students. To the contrary, spreading my ability and knowledge beyond my magnet (or gifted and talented) classroom was not always as easy.

I worked in a low socio-economic middle school with a successful magnet/gifted & talented program within it. I was keenly aware that the students outside my class did not get the same experiences, as classes outside the magnet program were taught using demonstrations and worksheets. As a consequence, I became more interested in providing engaging opportunities to students who have less impactful experiences with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The purpose of the Catalyst Science Scholarship is to honor the Catalyst Science Program and Rice Model Science Lab by providing Club SciKidz Houston Camp Scholarships for children who live in homes that are experiencing financial hardship and have academic merit and/or potential in STEM. Our goal at Club SciKidz Houston is to make sure that children, regardless of their economic situation have an opportunity to attend one of our themed, fun filled science day camps this summer.

We want ALL children to realize that “Science was never this much fun!”